The Power of Words

By: Clara Molina, Hispanic Baptist Network Women’s Ministry Director

Words have the power to glorify, adore, and praise God. Words can be heard, spoken, written, and treasured in the heart, but, for better or for worse, they can never be taken back once spoken.

The Word of God says that “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit” (1 Peter 3:10 NASB) and in here when the Bible speaks of “the tongue,” it is referring to the actual organ used as a metaphor for the words that come out of person’s mouths.

The tongue can also harm others, according to James 3:5, which says the following, “ Consider how a small fire sets a blaze a large forest.” This small and powerful organ of the body, according to James 3:8, “… it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison,” especially when it is used to hurt, gossip, or curse.

Many sin with their words and demonstrate their hypocrisy, as it can be seen in James 5:9, which says, “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God” (NASB).

Words have power, and before saying anything, it is important to reflect on what is going to be said. Colossians 4:6 tells us, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know you ought to answer each person” and also, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this persons’ religion is worthless,” (James 1:26—ESB).

Offensives words are common in today’s society and are used casually, but they offend God and others. The Bible says, “Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29—NASB).

Words are powerful, and every believer will be judged for what he or she says. “But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment. For by your words, you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mathhew 12:36-37).

The use of the language yields both good and bad results; “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21), and only by God grace the tongue can be controlled (James3:8).

The tongue does not work alone; it needs to coordinate with the lips and the rest of the mouth to produce a word. Likewise, the tongue cannot control itself; a person must exercise self-control and rely on God the Father, Son, and Holy spirit to control it.